Heart's Treasure
Chapter 13: Stolen
Somehow in the small gaps of time I had between studying and papers I managed to write the start this chapter. I'm sorry this took so long, but school comes first. I promise the reveal of Kakuzu will come in a few chapters. I haven't heard from any guys in a while. If you have any question or suggestions please leave me a message and I'll try to answer as soon as possible. I hope you enjoy.
Perspectives: Snow, Saizo, Hazel, Hiro, and Mari
Snow's Perspective
The museum was in ruins. Dust stained the air. Villagers and ninjas were searching the rubble for survivors. Medical ninjas were treating the less seriously injured in a make shift hospital. The more seriously injured were rushed to the hospital. I searched the injured for my children. I couldn't stop my tears from falling. A pair of strong arms wrapped around me. It was Eiji.
"Where are they?!" I asked.
"We will find them", said Eiji.
We both started calling for them.
"SAIZO HAZEL!" I screamed.
"MOMMY WE ARE HERE!" they yelled.
My babies are safe. I ran to where I heard them. When we reached the spot. I shuttered, when I saw the rubble had already pushed away and my children were nowhere to be seen. I jumped into the tunnel. One of Hazel's ribbons on the ground. I picked it up and clutched it tightly in my hand. Eiji picked up a white washcloth that was out of place in the rubble. He brought the cloth to his nose and quickly pulled it away.
"Eiji?"
He handed me the washcloth. I brought it to my nose. A sickly sweet smell drifted from the rag. I felt a slight dizziness from the fumes. I shook my head and threw the cloth to the ground.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Chloroform", said Eiji.
"What does it do?" I asked.
"It causes a person to pass out, but it normally takes five minutes to have an affect on an adult. Since the Hazel and Saizo are children they would only need a short exposer to have an affect. I'm sorry to tell you this Snow, but think explosion was only used as diversion, so Hiro's family could kidnap the twin", said Eiji.
Eiji couldn't have said anything scarier than that to me.
"Did Hiro take them?" I asked.
He nodded my head. I ran out of the tunnel. Before I could get far Eiji tackled me down and pinned me to the ground. I struggled underneath him.
"You can't go foolishly running into enemy territory", said Eiji.
"They have my children!" I growled.
"Can you not see that this is a trap?" asked Eiji.
"Yes, I know its a trap. You are not stopping from saving my children!" I said as a struggled underneath his grip.
"Yes, I will. I promise to save your children, but you must calm down before we take action", said Eiji.
"How can I calm down when my children have been kidnapped?" I asked.
"Hiro will not hurt your children. Considering the other people who could have taken them Hiro is the safest option", said Eiji.
"How can you say that when he murdered your child?" I asked.
"He didn't murder my son that was only a horrible accident", said Eiji.
"You told me he murdered your son and wife", I said.
"It's complicated Snow. I will not go into at this time. All you need to know is Hiro won't harm your children", said Eiji.
What he say might be true, but I don't care. My maternal instinct to protect my children is going haywire.
"Think of your other children", said Eiji.
My mind went to Rose and Kotaro. What if something happened to them?
"By you being reckless you'll be putting your life in true danger for the first time in your existence", said Eiji.
"GET OFF!" I yelled.
"Where are you planning on going?" asked Eiji.
"Home", I said.
"Take Kotori with you", said Eiji.
Kotori appeared by Eiji's side.
"Do you think he will stop me from saving my children", I said.
"No, he won't, but he will be able to protect Rose and Kotaro when you inevitably leave. I know I can't stop you, but I thought I should at least try. I have to stay her and help our village", said Eiji.
Kotori and I rushed to my house. I gave sigh of pure relief, when I saw both Rose and Kotaro were safe and sound. Betty was in panic.
"Lady Minori may I leave me I have to check on my own family?" asked Betty.
"Go a head", I said.
"Kotori I'm leaving", I said.
"I understand your reasoning behind this, but please bring someone with you", said Kotori.
"I was planning to", I said.
I kissed both Kotaro and Rose on the forehead. They started wailing as I walked toward the door. I comforted both of them until they fell asleep.
"Please be careful Minori", said Kotori.
"I will. I'm fully aware of what I might lose", I said.
"I wish you the best of luck", said Kotori before I left.
"Thank you", I said.
I ran to Mari's house. Emeralds fell from my eyes. I swung open the door and ran up the stairs to Dad's room.
"What happened?" asked Dad.
"They took Hazel and Saizo and you're help getting them back dad", I said.
"Are you sure you want my help? Unleashing my powers will cause problems for you in the future", said Dad as he started unwinding his bandages.
"I know, but I have no other choice. I can't put my sisters at risk. I don't have to worry about you dying. I know you are capable of taking care of yourself. Will you help me?" I asked.
"Yes",
There was no hesitation in his voice.
"How do I unseal it?" I asked.
"Channel your chakra into your fingertips then place them against the seal on the center of my chest", said Dad.
My fingertips went aglow with my chakra. I placed them against his chest. His tattoos started glowing and retracting into nothing. His injuries instantly healed. He quickly changed his clothes.
"You have to calm down. Hiro won't harm your children", said Dad.
"Eiji said the same thing", I said.
"As much as a hate the man he's right", said Dad.
"Hiro is like my father, but more humane. He'll try to turn them into weapons, but he will treat them well", said Dad.
He still seemed somewhat uneasy.
"What are you not telling me?" I asked.
"The others of Hiro's family concern me. Hiro, Michi, and Kin are the only ones of his family I would trust. Some might only see your children as a way to obtain immortality", said Dad.
How anyone kill an innocent child for something a stupid as immortality. We ran out the door.
"How far away is Hiro's village?" I asked.
"A two day trip if we run through the night", said Dad.
My worry wasn't only for my stolen children, but not being able to come home to my babies.
"Don't worry Snow. I promise you will return home with you children", said Dad.
I trusted his word. I nodded my head.
Saizo's Perspective
My eyes slowly opened. I was laying on a cool wooden floor. As I looked around I saw I was in strange office. Hazel?! I rolled to my side and saw she was laying beside me. There was a sickly sweet taste in my mouth. I sat up and the room started spinning. After a few minutes it stilled.
"Saizo?"
"Right here", I said.
"Where are we?" asked Hazel.
"I don't know", I said.
"You're in the Forgotten Village kiddies", said a strange man.
He had short shaggy white hair. One of his eyes was gold and the other was silver.
"Who are you?" asked Hazel.
"Goro",
He walked toward Hazel. Goro kneeled and lifted Hazel's chin. She made no move to attack.
"It's a shame you take so much after your father. I would have hoped you take after your mother. You could have been such a pretty girl", said Goro as he stood up.
Hazel started crying.
"Leave her alone!" I growled.
Goro slammed me roughly against the wall. His hand was around my neck. My diamond skin wasn't working. I struggled to breath. Hazel kicked at his legs, but had no affect.
"LET HIM GO!" screamed Hazel.
He kicked her in the side sending her across the room. My vision started going dark.
"LET HIM GO NOW GORO!"
I was dropped to the floor.
"Why do you always have to ruin my fun Kin", whined Goro.
"They are children", he said.
"So?"
"You are an immortal what interest would you have in killing them?" asked the man.
"Having a spare is alway nice. Just in case you lose all patience for me", said Goro.
"Leave", he said.
The man who saved me had long blonde hair and golden eyes. Hazel whimpered as she crawled over to me. He walked closer to us and we backed away.
"My name is Kin. I promise I won't hurt you. I won't allow him near you again. Please allow me to treat your injuries", he said.
Kin's smile helped ease our fear. Hazel stepped forward and carefully looked over the man. She has a talent of sensing whether a person was worthy of trust. If she found them worthy she would quickly give it to them her trust, so far she hasn't been wrong. He picked us up. I was too tired to fight being carried. Besides my throat was too sore to talk.
Hazel's Perspective
Kin took us to a large bedroom. He sat both Saizo and I on the bed. He carefully examined Saizo's neck.
"My apologies for not coming sooner", said Kin.
"Why did he attack us? I know we made him angry, but I didn't think we made him angry enough to attack us", I said.
"Upsetting Goro is all someone has to do to warrant an attack", said Kin.
Kin took a glass bottle from a wooden chest. The liquid inside the bottle was the color of honey. He poured it into a small cup and handed it to Saizo.
"Please drink this it will help with the bruising and your sore throat", said Kin.
Saizo still didn't drink it.
"I promise it isn't poison", said Kin.
Saizo again refused to drink. Kin took the cup from Saizo's hand and took a sip from it.
"See not poison", said Kin.
Saizo finally drank it.
"Does that feel better?" asked Kin.
He nodded his head.
"Now your turn Hazel. Please lay down on your back and raise your shirt", said Kin.
I did as told. I whined when he gently pressed on my side. Saizo instantly glared at Kin.
"I do apologize for the discomfort Hazel I was only trying to how many ribs you've broken", said Kin.
"Why aren't our abilities working?" asked Saizo in a raspy voice.
"The people who took you two drugged you a with a powerful chakra suppresser. Your abilities should return in a few days", said Kin.
"Why did you take us?" I asked.
"That wasn't our goal", said Kin.
Kin again went to wooden chest and took out another glass bottle. It was filled with a greenish blue liquid. He filled two small cups with the liquid. Kin handed one to me and the other to Saizo.
"This will help you sleep", said Kin.
"Why would we want to sleep here? Someone could attack us", growled Saizo.
"I promise you that won't happen", said Kin.
After taking the liquid my eyes grew heavy and I quickly fell into a deep sleep.
Hiro's Perspective
I walked to the bedroom where the twins were being treated. Michi followed closely behind me. I opened the door I saw the twins asleep carefully tucked into bed. Kin glared at me.
"Father are you responsible for this?" asked Kin.
"No"
"Then how were you planning on getting Minori on our side?" asked Kin.
"Black mail is a very powerful thing especially with a woman who holds so many dangerous secrets. And if I were to do something as rash as kidnapping I would taken her adoptive child Rose. She would be the easiest one to capture and no one in this family would gain anything by killing her", I said.
"It disturbs me how much thought you've put into this", said Kin.
"Don't look at me that way Kin. You know I had to consider all of my options", I said.
"Michi"
"Yes", he answered.
"What team was assigned the mission to destroy the museum?" I asked.
"That would be my great grand daughter Jade and her son. That was the only group I could send without risking much. There's so much bad blood between the two families I had to choose the group who had barley any ties to the village", said Michi.
"Who took them?" I asked.
"Goro and Jade", said Michi.
"I should have known. Jade will look for any excuse to exact revenge on Minori for killing her son. Goro probably went along for the fun of it", I said.
"Those two have caused nothing but trouble", I said.
I sighed.
"Michi keep an eye on Jade and Goro", I said.
"Yes sir", said Michi before he vanished from the room.
"This going to end bloodshed. Whose and how much I do not know. I won't have a child's blood on my hands again", I said.
"That was an accident father", said Kin.
"An accident that caused the loss of so many", I said.
"Father, don't forget what Eiji stole from us. You lost three sons and I three brothers. I don't understand why you seek his forgiveness", said Kin.
"If Eiji's child hadn't gotten trapped on the battlefield my sons wouldn't have been killed. Such a wasted time and foolish thought. Their deaths are my fault. I was so young and careless", I said.
I pushed down the guilt.
"Kin",
"Yes Father",
"If anything happens to me I want you to give your allegiance to Minori. Don't act foolishly seek revenge. Promise me that", I said.
"I promise",
"Thank you", I said.
"How far do think she'll go?" asked Kin.
"A protective mother like her she won't be satisfied until she kills the ones responsible for taking her children. Hopefully she doesn't blame me", I said.
I couldn't help smiling at the idea.
"Father, why do you smile like that? And why would you want me to pledge my allegiance to Minori when she seeks your death", said Kin.
"I don't think she want my death, but can't helping wishing she did. I'm tired son, so very tired. This war will bring and end to me and join the family as one. At least that is what I hope. If worst comes to worst the innocent of this family will spared and join Eiji. Those deserving of death will have it", I said.
"Why do you want to die by her hand?" asked Kin.
"It doesn't have to be her. It could be my brother or some other member of the family who already holds immortality. I refuse to die by hand that doesn't understand the curse it actually is", I said.
"I think I have an idea that will hit two birds with one stone", said Kin.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Since Jade and Goro will either die in war or be captured and sentenced to death we should use Minori to take care of them. There's no guilt in on either side. We both know the horrible crimes they've committed", said Kin.
I laughed.
"What?" asked Kin.
"It's a good plan I can't deny I wasn't thinking of doing something like that myself. What kind of man am I? I'm contemplating the murder of both my great grand son and great great grand daughter", I said.
"They are bad people", said Kin.
"And what are we?" I asked.
Kin's forehead wrinkled in thought. There's no right answer to that question. I walked over to the bed. Both children were in a deep sleep.
"These two should have nothing to do with this. Children don't belong on the battlefield", I said.
"They belong by their mother's side", said Kin.
"I worried about what lengths she will go to", I said.
"Do you think she will release him?" asked Kin.
"She might not even know about him", I said.
"Let's pray she doesn't know of Manzo", said Kin.
"Kin, you may go I will take watch. You need rest", I said.
He nodded his head and left the room. The girl was the first to wake. She rubbed her eyes and stretched. She gave me a brief look.
"Bathroom?" she asked.
I pointed to a smaller room. She got out of bed. When she landed she gave a small wince. She walked into the bathroom. A few minutes later she came out. How could this girl not be in panic?
"I don't know what to think about you", she said.
"Are you not afraid of me?" I asked.
"No you aren't a scary man. Goro is a scary man. I know you won't hurt me or my brother", she said.
"How do you know that?" I asked.
"Just a gut feeling", she said.
I helped her back into.
"Mister who are you?" she asked.
"My name is Hiro. And you are Hazel", I said.
"How do you know my name?" she asked.
"I met you and your brother, while your mother was pregnant with you", I said.
She settled comfortably into bed.
"Why aren't scared?" I asked.
Hazel actually giggled.
"You are the one who should be scared. Who knows what mommy will do to you", said Hazel.
"Go sleep little one", I said.
She yawned and quickly fell asleep. There was soft knock on the door. I went to open it. Kin and Michi stepped in.
"Michi, I want you to take the innocent the shelters in the mountain. I don't want any unnecessary bloodshed", I said.
He nodded his head and left.
Snow's Perspective
By the time we reached the village's entrance the sun was setting. We walked down the village road. At the end of it I saw Hazel, Saizo, Hiro, Kin, Jade, and Goro. We are only ten feet a part.
"Mommy!" yelled Saizo and Hazel.
They ran over to me. I hugged them close. When I let go off them, I saw the bruises on Saizo's neck. I lifted the side of Hazel's shirt and the deep bruises along her ribs. I stepped in front of my children. My hands fisted. I was barely in control of my anger. They injured my children!
"Before you try to kill me can at least explain myself?" asked Hiro.
I can't act rash or this interaction could end in tragedy if I'm not careful. I nodded my head.
"I promise you kidnapping your children was not what I intended. Two of my shinboi went against my commands", said Hiro.
I wasn't sure if I could trust his word or not. I felt a gentle tug on my hand. It was Hazel.
"Please don't hurt him mommy. Hiro didn't hurt us and Kin took care of our injuries", said Hazel.
She wouldn't lie to me.
"Goro and that woman took us", said Hazel.
I recognized the woman as Jade. Goro smirked at me. They are both dead.
"Goro Jade you took her children now you must face the consequences of your foolish actions. I will not interfere", said Hiro.
He was giving me permission to kill without him taking action.
"May I ask one thing of you Minori?" asked Hiro.
I nodded my head.
"May we take this battle away from village? These are peoples' homes and I want my people to have a place to return to", said Hiro.
"Yes",
Dad held Saizo and Hazel as we traveled. We stopped at large abandoned limestone quarry. All of us stood in the quarry. Goro was glaring at Dad.
"Why did you bring out that old relic?" asked Gora as pointed to Dad.
"Relic!"
"He's powerless", said Goro.
I smirked. Dad pulled down the sleeve of shirt. His skin turned to diamond.
"Not anymore", he said.
Hiro gave a noticeable flinch.
"Why so scared Hiro? I'm not here for you", said Dad.
Goro and Jade both paled.
"Do you want my assistance?" asked Dad.
"No, this is my battle. Protect Saizo and Hazel. Make sure they don't get caught in the crossfire", I said.
He nodded his head.
"Mommy who is he?" asked Saizo.
"He's your grandfather. Both of you listen to him", I said.
Hiro, Kin, Dad, and the twins jump to higher and safer ground. This is going to be messy. Goro started laughing.
"You think you can beat us on your own?" asked Goro.
"Yes, but I'm not planning on fight you on my own", I said.
I pulled a small but powerful scroll. I hope this works. Every time I've tried using this its failed. I bit finger. I spread my blood along the paper as I opened it.
"Summing Jutsu: Snake's Child"
There was a puff of smoke. I saw her Hantia. This time she has a body of her own. Her hair was long and white like mine. She had her father's skin tone. She was wearing the Hidden Diamond uniform. Her eyes slowly opened revealing a greenish gold color.
"About time you let me out of that damn scroll!" she growled.
I forgot about that attitude.
"Thanks for letting me out" she said with a smile.
There's something different about her. She seemed warmer less sadistic. The blood lust that once ruled her seemed to have vanished. Hantia took in her surroundings. She smirked. I sighed at resemblance it had to Orochimaru's.
"I'm guessing those two kids up there are my siblings?" asked Hantia.
I nodded my head.
"What are you?" asked Jade.
"I'm her daughter", said Hantia as she pointed to me.
Maybe it was my mistake bringing her here.
"Hantia"
She straightened up.
"How can I help?" she asked.
"I know how much you love a great fight. I didn't want you to miss out", I said.
She licked her lips.
"Which one do you want?" she asked.
"You can have the woman. Goro's mine", I said.
"Can I kill her?" asked Hantia.
She made no attempt to hide the excitement in her voice.
"Yes and you can make it as gruesome as you want", I said.
Hantia was jittering with excitement.
"Thank you", said Hantia.
She went charging after Jade.
"Do you think separating us will save you?" asked Goro.
"No, I separated you a more selfish reason. I want you all to myself", I said.
"You think you can beat me", said Goro.
"You should fear me", I said.
"What should I fear from you? You're only middle age woman who only earned her title because of who she's married to", said Goro.
"No because I'm a mother and you're the bastard who hurt my children", I said.
I will make sure no one will question my strength or be idiotic enough to harm my children again.
"Give me your best Goro because that's the only way you'll have a chance of surviving", I said.
Goro charged at me. A diamond dome formed around me.
"Coward!" yelled Goro.
My talents in my sage mode transformation have increased greatly since I've last used it. I closed my eyes and called upon my snakes. I saw them in Rychuii Cave.
"Terra, Doku you know what to do",
They started gathering natural chakra for me. I opened my eyes. I felt a rush of chakra coming into my body. I caught my reflection in the dome. The whites of my eyes had gone black. My irises were diamond and my pupils were slit. I touched the two sets of horns that appeared. These are new. Rectangular purple marks appeared around my eyes. I ran my tongue over my fangs.
The diamond dome that surrounded me disappeared releasing the charka. Goro backed away. I smiled showing off my fangs. I gasped when I saw image of his death form before my eyes. Goro was shuttering, but quickly regained himself. He backed away some. He charged at me. I easily blocked the attacks. Diamond skin clashed against diamond skin.
"Is this all you have?" I asked.
Goro was panting. He was impressive. His punches managed to knock me back a few feet. I yawned.
"I guess it my turn now", I said.
One punch was sending him flying into large blocks of limestone. The scent of his blood made me lick my lips. The impact of my punch cracked his skin. I jumped as high as I could.
"Falling Sun"
I took a deep breath and released a gigantic ball of fire. It shone a bright and yellowish flames flickered off it. It cashed into earth. There was a large explosion of fire as it made hit its target. Flames went exploding in every direction. The air around me became was hot it hurt to breath. The smoke and dust cleared enough for me to see I stepped forward. Goro by some miracle was some alive.
"Impressive most wouldn't have survived this kind of attack", I said.
I watch him take his last breaths. I flinched when I felt an immortality tattoo appeared on my wrist above the first one. I sighed, when I felt a cut of my connection to natural chakra. It would take about ten minutes for me to completely fade out of my sage mode. Hantia appeared by my side. She gained an immortality tattoo of her own.
"I guess I have to go back in the scroll", said Hantia.
"No",
I took out the scroll and burned it.
"Why am I not dead?" she asked.
"This is your second chance. You have body and an immortal life of your own. Don't make me regret this choice. If you do I will kill you myself", I said.
She hugged me tightly.
"Thank you I promise I won't disappoint you", said Hantia.
I smiled at her.
"Can I meet my siblings?" asked Hantia.
"Yes, but you know you can't truly be the siblings. I wish you could be, but you are just to hard to explain", I said.
"I understand", said Hantia.
"You've change", I said.
"I finally given into the side of me that takes after you", said Hantia.
"How does it feel?" I asked.
"Good", said Hantia.
She smiled. It stunned me when I saw an exact replica of my smile on her. We jumped to cliff where Hiro, Manzo and the others stood. They all looked stunned.
"Mommy that was amazing", said Hazel.
My eye went wide, when I saw the change in my children. Their canines became fang like. Saizo's pupils were slit. The greens of Hazel's eyes were slit like a snake's. Is this what Doku meant by my children having the blood of the snake? All of them were staring at me in pure amazement.
"Who are you?" asked Saizo.
"I'm Hantia. I'm a close friend of your mother's", said Hantia.
"Okay", said Saizo.
Both of them were tuckered out. I groaned as my teeth returned to normal. The twins started crying.
"What's wrong?" I asked.
"Our teeth hurt", whine Hazel.
"Open your mouth", I said.
They did as told. Their fangs had retracted.
"Shh its okay", I said.
I picked up Hazel and Dad picked up Saizo.
Mari's Perspective
A powerful feeling of chakra unlike anything I'd ever felt before had woke me up. I recognized the chakra, but I couldn't believe something that powerful could from my little sister. There was a knock on my door. I answered it. Snow, Manzo, the twins, and a strange woman came in. Snow settled the twins into my spare bedroom. Once twins were settled we moved into the kitchen.
I couldn't help staring at the beautiful stranger. Her hair was snowy white and looked as soft a silk. The stranger's skin reminded me of porcelain and was just as flawless. Her eyes were a greenish gold and her pupils were slit. When she smiled, it revealed her fangs. When she saw me staring at her face turned pink. Her features remind of someone, but I couldn't place until Snow stood next to her.
"Snow whose your friend?" I asked.
"She's my daughter Hantia", said Snow.
I frowned. If she's Snow's daughter that means she is off limits. That's a shame.
"Wait, how is that possible you two are the same age?" I asked.
"Its long story", said Snow.
"A long story that includes the weirdest conception in history", said Hantia.
"Whose your dad?" I asked.
"My father is Orochimaru", said Hantia.
"How the fuck is that possible?" I asked.
"I'll explain it later Mari. I'm too tired to explain right. Can Hantia and I borrow some clothes?" asked Snow.
I nodded my head. I couldn't help watching as Hantia as changed. Her body was a masterpiece. She fell asleep on my couch.
"You like her don't you Mari?" asked Snow.
"It's not like I can be with her", I said.
"We aren't biologically sisters so there's no harm and in you going after her. I think you and her will be a perfect match. And you don't have to worry about losing her. She's immortal", said Snow.
"You are really okay with me starting something with her?" I asked.
Snow nodded her head.
"I'll give you this warning once Mari. If you break my daughter's heart you'll have me to deal with me", said Snow.
"I wouldn't do that to someone so beautiful. Do you know if she prefers men or women?" I asked.
"I think she just needs someone loving in her life. Hantia has a lack of that in her existence. I need you to keep her here. By the way you look at her I don't think you'll have any problems with that", said Snow.
"Thanks sister", I said.
Snow's Perspective
Mari retired to her room with a smile on her face. Yes, those two will make a great match. Dad sat at the table staring out the window.
"Dad"
"Yes",
"My home has a guest house. I'm not going to do anything with it. You are welcome to it once everything settles down. It isn't much only two room and a bathroom, but it yours if you want it. The twins seem to like you and it would give a chance to be with your family", I said.
Tears of gold and pink pearls fell from Dad's eyes.
"Yes, I would love that. Thank you",
"Your welcome", I said.
I sighed.
"What's wrong?" asked Dad.
"Wars are brewing things will go into chaos, but I will no lose anymore family. I will make sure you stay with our family. You are not going back to the mountain", I said.